The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-04-28
GOV. GORDON AT AUGUSTA.
Extracts From His Memorial Day Ora
ton


ton.
For want of space yesterday the MORNING
News was unable to give but brief refer
ence to Gov. Gordon's eloquent Grafton at
Augusta on Tuesday. The following ex-
tracts from it will be read with interest:
With multitude of reflections crowding
upon me, it is not easy to select between the
various subjects which suggest themselves.
Perhaps | could not do better than to inn
press upon your minds and hearts one
thought, which fills my own with anxious
apprehensions. That thought is this: There
is danger that the South may he made
quately represented, or wholly misrepre-
sented in the future history of this country
Misrepresentation threatens the conquered
alwayS-the cOnqueror never. As re-
marked by mo on another occasion, in
the average estimation of mankind, victory
vindicates, while defeat dooms to nisiudg-
ment and thoughtless condemnation. There
is in this truth philosophy as plain and
profound as the laws of human nature, in
volving consequences so calanitous that
every lover Of his people should unite to
avert them. Should such misfortune befall
us it requires no prophet TO foretell the char
acter and extent of those consequences.
First, there would follow a decrease of our
appreciation of this section and of its peo-
pie. Second, as an inevitable consequence.
a diminutiOn of our own self-respect: next,
gradual but certain letiogression and inn
pairment of our manhood: AMI. finally, the
loss OF those distinctive characteristics which
ara The traditional, recognized, chief sources
of this peoples greatness NO more import
ant service could be rendered this country
not only the South but the whole country
than TO clearly compartment these dangers
and erect firm ami iimnovable barriers,
M. - Itfsr s..af III
qucureS.
Let u do our part in their erection here
this morning. Let us strengthen the fouh-
dotiOns OF our future manhood ana chalac-
ter by enhancing the seli-fcspect of Southern
youth. Let us ground that self-respect on
tue facts, not on the iictoNs Of our history
In order 30 contribute 20 this essentially pa
trintic end call your attention, briefly. to
some OF the many reasons which sluud for
ever secure for the South measure Of tull
Ju-ticc, If not oi commanding priMacy in
American history.
IN discussing This subject | shall indulge
~ no criticisms of other sections. II know
the spiriU OF this paople, or my OWE, we
love our cOuntry--Our whole country
nom The simple fact that 10 Is our country.
We would strengthen and NOT weaken the
bu1csoi cordial respect ana fraternity thft
bind NJ together IN a perpetual union OF free
and oiuni States. / 6liail utter no highly
wrought culogiumG nor even indulge
m communication OF tle South, other
t1an tnOc which are pro-
nomcI b. tine historic records of Cine
past snail not ignore. the fact tnot
this wa a slGvr-holi.ug section. AMI that
WA tAH lgat home Of sfyey on me Noira
American continent Bat in the interest of
truth. iu ielntlfe-t of Southern youth. ia
The mtrr'.i of tho wlipi" republic which
mart iiFo. 800 lNesnt Hil. ii o. M on-.
ih" devotion lng nsr'lut fluiIulI ul uIi b.
rlns u thr Interest of Hl ilHs.. ! shall DO.
1si fhrf however Frrf W.rr thr rFli.
mnh fhUF HHr many ~ negro slavery.
3D. "u '1t. Nry hr n0n bong au uH.
iulNsti1 esl IEurIr4 by pAlan-